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Real Wealth

A rusted lock against a wooden gate with dandelions decorating the lock. The words to Psalm 141:3 ESV, "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" by Beeda Speis for Peace in the Stillness

“…relationships are the only real wealth we ever acquire.” Brian Sanders

Sanders, Brian. (2022). The 6 Seasons of Calling, Discovering Your Purpose in Each Stage of Life. Page 109. Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL.

One of God’s purposes for us here is to form relationships. We’re to form relationships, emulate His characteristics, bring others to know Him, and in doing all of this, bring glory to our loving Creator.

But, relationships are hard, aren’t they?! They take a lot of work and take a lot of energy for some. If we take time to reflect on relationships that fell apart, we might find at the core of the situation was:

  • a bad choice of words
  • words spoken in anger
  • misunderstanding
  • uncommunicated thoughts or feelings

I’ve made a personal decision where one person in my life is concerned, not to engage in political debate. It took some practice, prayer, and patience, but I’ve learned to not let it upset me. This particular person thinks he’s right. I think I’m right. Neither of us is going to change the other one’s mind by heated argument, so I had to just be the bigger person and let it go. It just doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. What matters is that we don’t say things that will destroy our relationship.

On the other hand, I don’t think it’s healthy to let things become unresolved issues that fester inside of me and build resentment and even hatred over time. The way around that is to talk to my Father. That way, I’m letting out my thoughts, expressing myself to Someone who hears me with an open heart and an open mind.

Bible Verse of the Day

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
Psalm 141:3 ESV

Pray

Dear Father, we thank You for the ability to come to You with everything. We thank You for Your wonderful provisions and for hearing us, Lord. We love that we can speak to You without judgment or condemnation and that You will forgive us for our anger and other sins. We ask that You bestow on us the ability to show Your patience and lovingkindness to the world. So many desperately need these qualities shown to them. We thank You, Father, for allowing us and encouraging us to give everything up to You.
Father, we continue in desperate prayer for the Ukrainians. Please stop the war, Father. Please bring peace to this troubled nation. Father, help them find a way in the darkness. Show them Your light. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.